Federal Fishery Managers Convene in South Florida

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will meet June 12-16, 2006 in Coconut Grove, Florida. The Council will focus on Amendments 14 and 15 to the Council’s Snapper Grouper Fishery Plan, the development of a Fishery Ecosystem Plan and Comprehensive Amendment, and management of coastal migratory pelagics including king mackerel. Amendment 14 includes the use of a series of marine protected areas along the southeastern coast as a management tool for deepwater snapper grouper species. Amendment 15 contains measures to rebuild stocks of snowy grouper, black sea bass, and red porgy. Amendment 15 also addresses recreational sale, permit issues (transferability and renewal times), queen snapper size limits, and changes to the fishing year for golden tilefish. The Council is scheduled to approve both documents for public hearings to be held later this year.

Managers will review and provide input on the Council’s ecosystem-based management approach to resource management that includes the development of a Fishery Ecosystem Plan and Comprehensive Ecosystem Amendment. The Fishery Ecosystem Plan will serve as a source document, providing the Council with updated information for management purposes while the Comprehensive Amendment will contain regulatory changes as needed.

In addition, the Council will review recent reports regarding king mackerel stock identification, including mixing rates in the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, and determine if management actions such as changes in bag limits, size limits and Total Allowable Catch (TAC) are needed.

The Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee will meet concurrently during the Council meeting week. As the body responsible for reviewing the Council’s scientific materials, the SSC will provide recommendations for Council consideration as the meeting progresses.

The Council will hold a Public Input Session on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 at 4:30 p.m. Members of the public are invited to address the Council on items on the meeting agenda or any other fishery issue that falls under the jurisdiction of the Council. All meetings are open to the public.

Joint Habitat and Coral Advisory Panel Meeting, June 7-9, 2006
Prior to the Council meeting, there will be a 3-day joint meeting of the Council’s Habitat and Coral Advisory Panels from June 7-9, 2006. Over 50 advisory panel members, including scientists, government agency representatives, non-governmental agencies, and fishermen will address management issues, including ecosystem-based management and Snapper Grouper Amendment 14. Additional agenda items include deepwater coral habitat research and protection, the Council’s Habitat and Ecosystem web page and internet mapping system, and habitat policy including Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) pipeline development, off-shore wind farms, invasive species, and aquaculture.

All meetings will take place at the Wyndham Grand Bay Hotel, 2669 South Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, FL 33133; phone 800/996-3426 or 305/858-9600.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, one of eight regional councils, conserves and manages fish stocks from three to 200 miles offshore of North and South Carolina, Georgia and east Florida.